Honey Don’t! Blu-ray Review: A Stylish Mystery Lacking Sweet Extras
Ethan Coen‘s Honey Don’t!, the second installment in his playfully dubbed “lesbian B-movie trilogy” with Tricia Cooke, arrived earlier this year with a quiet buzz.Featuring a compelling cast – Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and a delightfully unhinged Chris Evans – the film sparked debate with its twisty narrative. But does the Blu-ray release offer anything beyond the film itself? Let’s dive in.
What is Honey Don’t! About?
The film follows Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley), a resourceful private investigator in a small town. She’s tasked with unraveling a series of unsettling deaths linked to a secretive and increasingly suspicious church.expect dark humor, unexpected turns, and a healthy dose of mystery.
A Divisive, Yet Engaging, Mystery
Honey Don’t! isn’t a film that neatly satisfies everyone. While some found the ending’s revelations abrupt and underdeveloped, others appreciated its audaciousness. I personally enjoyed the ride.
Chris Evans delivers a memorably sleazy performance as a charismatic cult leader, and Qualley shines as the persistent, fast-witted Honey. The film intentionally leaves some threads dangling, contributing to its enigmatic atmosphere. It’s a stylish, entertaining experience, especially for those who appreciate Coen’s unique filmmaking voice.
Blu-ray Technical Specifications: Picture and Sound
From a technical standpoint, the Honey Don’t! Blu-ray excels. The video quality is crisp and vibrant, showcasing Coen’s distinctive visual style beautifully. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track is equally impressive, creating an immersive and engaging soundscape.
* video: High-definition transfer, visually striking.
* Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1, immersive and clear.
* aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
* Runtime: Approximately 93 minutes
The transfer truly allows the film’s aesthetic to pop, making it a worthwhile upgrade for home viewing.
The Missing Ingredient: Supplemental Content
Here’s where the Honey Don’t! Blu-ray falls short.Unlike the Drive-Away Dolls Blu-ray, which included several featurettes, this release is completely devoid of bonus material.
Ther’s no director’s commentary, no behind-the-scenes footage, no interviews – nothing. This is a significant drawback, especially for fans eager to delve deeper into the making of the film. Furthermore, the absence of a digital code or even a standard DVD copy feels like a missed opportunity.
This lack of extras limits the appeal to dedicated collectors seeking a complete physical media experience. It doesn’t offer much incentive for those already on the fence about the film.
Is the Honey Don’t! Blu-ray Worth Buying?
the answer depends on your priorities. If you’re a devoted Coen Brothers enthusiast or a collector of physical media,adding Honey Don’t! to your library might be worthwhile. The pristine video and audio quality are undeniable.
Though, if you’re hoping for a comprehensive release packed with behind-the-scenes insights, you’ll be disappointed. The lack of supplemental content makes this a rather bare-bones offering.
Final Verdict: A technically sound release hampered by a complete absence of bonus features.
Evergreen Insights: The Coen Brothers & Their Evolving Style
Ethan and Joel Coen have consistently pushed boundaries throughout their careers, crafting films that blend genres, challenge expectations, and showcase a unique cinematic vision. Honey Don’t! represents a fascinating new direction for Ethan Coen, venturing into a more self-reliant and experimental space.
This solo effort, alongside Tricia Cooke, signals a willingness to explore different storytelling approaches. It’s a departure from the meticulously crafted, frequently enough sprawling narratives of their collaborative work. This willingness to evolve and experiment is a hallmark of their enduring legacy. Explore the full Coen Brothers filmography and critical analysis at The Criterion Collection.
FAQ: Honey Don’t! Blu-ray & The Film Itself
1. What is Honey Don’t! about?
Honey Don’t! is a dark comedy mystery centered
